dad has depression, what can we do?

Question

over the past few years my dad has had depression and was on prozac and other stuff,

he works nights so he hasnt got a social life or any mates, last night he said that im his only mate and started crying, i dint know what to do,

i want to do something with him like a weekend fishing or summat, any ideas people?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
All yors answers are fantastic some of them even made me cry!

just to clarify a few things so to help people understand more about the situation...

dad and mum are still together
dad has been a van driver for 20years and wont change his job cuz he likes it(i think)

please keep the answers coming they are very helpfull and to the people who have been very insensitive toward this subject obiously you have no heart and i will be reporting you.

Answer 1

I'm a dad and went through serious depression 3 years ago when my wife of 23 years had an affair and we ended up getting divorced. It was the betrayal that hurt the most. If it wasn't for my 3 daughters I don't think I'd be here now. They were kind and patient with me. Gave me space when I needed it but were always there.
It takes a long time to get over depression and most of the work has to be done by your dad.
A weekend fishing, just you and him, sounds an ideal start. You must be prepared to listen. He may well cry. He can't help it. But it's part of the healing process. Keep on being a friend to him - it helps him focus, gives him a reason to fight the depression.
In time he may be ready to talk to a professional counsellor.
Don't expect a quick fix. It took me weeks before I could even leave the house, let alone make new friends.
My daughters made me realise life was worth living and gave me a reason to fight my depression. They're still my best friends.
I am now clear of depression and have re-married. A new family and a fresh start and I've got my kids to thank for that.
Best of luck to you and your dad. He's lucky to have a son like you.

Answer 2

he doesnt sound the type to be going out just yet as he needs to build up his confidence. How about a good old fashioned board game or cards. You say he Was on Prozac why is he not now. Tell him his your only dad and what hes going through is an illness that can and will get better but you cant do it on your own but are more than happy to hold his hand as it were to get to where he should be in his and your life. All the best with the both of you

Answer 3

My dad has the same problem. He has been seperated from my mom for 28 yrs now but still won't move on.He's depressed.I tried setting him up with women that thought he was cute and almost half his age but that didn't really work.My Dad also worked late night shifts.He seemed happier when was active..like yardwork. I think you should just help keep him active. Don't let him have enough time to dwell on the reason he's depressed.He should have a friend and/or mate maybe you should take him out in public more.It is better to try than to not have tried at all.Also, My Dad was in a coin club that he enjoyed going to and he made friends with people there.Other than that he was anti-social. Hope I gave you some ideas..Good luck and I hope you Dad gets better.Most important..tell your Dad you love him.

Answer 4

PLEASE do no longer initiate thinking that way! the 1st element you will desire to comprehend is that melancholy isn't purely unhappiness or thoughts of being discontent. that's an exceedingly severe ailment, and could be recognized basically as in the journey that your dad had something like problems with an inner organ such via fact the kidney. The strategies isn't something greater advantageous than an organ, the biggest and maximum severe one we've! melancholy could be a very organic and organic element, meaning it stems from an imbalance of specific chemical compounds. medicine and a few style of communicate therapy will probable help very much. basically attempt to no longer get your self worked up or overly annoying. Be there for him, and hear if he desires to talk. it might additionally be a solid theory so you might the two examine up on melancholy on line or call a place like the psychological wellbeing association of NAMI on your section to get some brochures.

Answer 5

I think that if your dad is suffering from depression again, which it sounds like, it is important that he sees a doctor and goes back on the prozac. Depresson is an illness, just like any other, it is important to get treatment for it.

(The illness of depression makes every thing seem worse that it is, trying to say positive things to the person is of some use but won't cure it, you wouldn't expect to be able to cure a cold just by positive thinking).

It is important that your dad gets out and does stuff. To begin with it really doesn't matter what it is or if it works out or not. Just get him out. Physical activity is really good for depression, swimming, brisk walking, anything to get the body moving.

You can reassure him that you will be there for him. And help him to help himself. But ultimately the responsibility to get help is up to him.

Nothing is ever as bad as a depressed person thinks it is. :-)

Best wishes to you both

Answer 6

I feel for you, it sounds like role reversal. Could he maybe get a day job, so he could socialise a little. Back to your question, does he enjoy fishing, if he does then that is a great idea. Do you live near the coast? Maybe a good walk on the coast and a couple of nice pub meals might cheer him up. maybe you could take him somewhere where other people are,and get him some new acquaintences

Answer 7

obviously the lack of friendship is an issue for him; he's feeling alone. his job isn't going to help with that. additionally, studies have shown that night shift or shift workers in general are more suseptable to depression. because he is always in darkness (well, mostly i assume) his body isn't being exposed to enough sunlight, and that is a major contributor to depression too.

but, it probably goes deeper than that. will he see a counsellor?

one of the most important things for a depression sufferer, is to have support. and it sounds like that's just what you are doing. a weekend together sounds perfect.

try to provide oppertunity for him to open up and talk, and when he cries, just reach out and hug him or put your hand on his hand. having someone there who's not saying 'get over it' is so important, someone who will just listen.

i wish you all the best with it. you're obviously a wonderful son.

Answer 8

maybe camping would be nice...bring some coffee and his favorite food...spend time listening to him. I know what he is going through. don't feel pressured though because this is an on going thing and you can help but can't make it go away. He will always get little hints of it comming back. Just tell him you care and your there for him. Be a crutch but don't try to carry him...he needs to do some things on his own. It's wonderful you care. Tell him it's not just for the weekend but your always there.

Answer 9

I would focus on trying to get hima different job, I use to work unsociable hours as a teenager and it made me very depressed because you only see the people you work with. Do you have any brothers or sisters, you should try an organise more family get togethers,

good luck to ya

Answer 10

Stay at his for a few night's and if it gets worse get him a Psychiatrist. And take him out even if it means giving up something else, it's your Dad afterall.

Good Luck Mate!